Welcome to the Chair of Animal Nutrition. The present time is exceptionally exciting in the field of animal husbandry, as the challenges facing society call for fresh ideas and new solutions. We are looking for forward-thinking students who wish to combine scientific discoveries with practical skills.
At our department, we focus on the feeding of farm animals, feeding technologies, and nutritional physiology, while paying great attention to animal welfare, behavior, and housing environment. We are also committed to developing sustainable solutions in the fields of organic, small and large ruminants, swine, and poultry farming. Through innovative research and modern teaching, we contribute to improving both human life and the well-being of animals under their care.
"If you are looking for a career that truly makes a difference, our academic team is the ideal choice for you. We offer the opportunity to take part in research projects, gain hands-on experience in our laboratories (the Feed and Metabolism Research Laboratory and the Milk Quality Research Laboratory), and acquire valuable skills both in teaching and in project work. Together, we are shaping the future of animal husbandry and food production to be as efficient, responsible, and sustainable as possible!"
The Head of Chair Prof. Meelis Ots
Services
Evaluation of the nutritional value and quality of feeds
- Nutritional consulting and feed ration formulation
- Development of feed rations and studies on feed preservation
- Research on raw milk quality
For large-scale or non-standard analyses, please do not hesitate to contact us. Together we will find the right solution!
Head of the Feed and Metabolism Research Laboratory
Andres Olt
Junior Research Fellow in Animal Nutrition
Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences
Chair of Animal Nutrition
+372 7313478
+372 7313478
Research
The Chair of Animal Nutrition conducts both fundamental and applied research in the fields of feed production, animal nutrition, metabolism, raw milk quality, and animal welfare. Our mission is to advance scientific understanding while providing practical solutions that support sustainable livestock production, animal well-being, and high-quality food systems.
- Current research areas include:
- Utilization and recovery of body fat reserves, negative energy balance, and body condition scoring
- Adipose tissue metabolism: regulation of lipogenesis and lipolysis, and adipose tissue inflammation
- Glucose metabolism in adipose tissue
- Systemic and adipose tissue-specific insulin resistance
- The role of milk extracellular vesicles in the development of insulin resistance
Our research infrastructure enables comprehensive experimentation. In vivo and in sacco studies are carried out at the VLI Large Animal Clinic, the Märja experimental barn, and in close collaboration with partner production farms. In addition, in vitro experiments are conducted in our laboratories, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach that integrates nutrition, physiology, and animal welfare.
We actively participate in international research networks and EU-funded projects, and collaborate with academic institutions, industry partners, and policymakers to address global challenges in animal husbandry and food production. Through these partnerships, we contribute to the development of innovative, efficient, and sustainable solutions for the future of livestock farming.
PhD Studies
The doctoral studies focus on modern methods of feed quality evaluation, including the kinetics of cell wall component and protein hydrolysis, approaches to assessing nutritional value, and the factors influencing feed quality. Special emphasis is placed on the rearing and feeding of young cattle, as well as the feeding and management of productive animals during different stages of the lactation cycle. The program also addresses factors affecting milk composition and quality, nutrient metabolism in the organism, and the synthesis of body tissues and milk. In addition, research explores the interconnections between animal health, reproduction, housing environment, and feeding technologies, alongside the causes of nutrition-related diseases and strategies for their prevention.
Doctoral studies form the highest level of higher education, designed for those aiming to pursue advanced academic and research careers. Admission requires a Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification. The nominal duration of the programme is four years, comprising 240 ECTS credits as outlined in the curriculum.
The studies culminate in the preparation and public defence of a doctoral thesis, demonstrating the candidate’s ability to conduct independent research and contribute new knowledge to the field. Graduates are awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), which is internationally recognised and opens opportunities both in academia and beyond.
- Anette Matto – Associations between postpartum inflammatory status, insulin resistance, and negative energy balance in dairy cows
- Siim Teder – Specific bioproducts for improving dairy cow health during the transition period
- Priit Karis – Relationships between body fat reserves, lipid mobilization, insulin resistance, and influencing factors in dairy cows
- Maksim Runin – Adipose tissue oxylipins and proinflammatory cytokines in relation to prepartum body fat reserves and insulin resistance in dairy cows
- Francesca Carnovale – Development of a protocol for assessing and ensuring the welfare of transported live animals
- Giovanni Marcone – Comparative assessment of sheep welfare across different production systems
- Andres Olt – The effect of silage additives on silage quality, nutritional value, and digestibility
- Aire Ilves – Changes in milk metabolites associated with negative energy balance
- Tiia Ariko – Evaluation of ruminal fermentation processes based on branched- and odd-chain fatty acids found in milk
- Maria Soonberg – Assessment of animal welfare in precision livestock farming based on production, reproductive, and health indicators
Location
F. R. Kreutzwaldi 46 Tartu
58°23'10.8"N 26°41'50.6"E
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